Ciosowa: Sandstone and Forest Trails

In Ciosowa, red sandstone, a disused quarry, and forest trails come together. The geological outcrop makes the site particularly easy to understand: its rock layers tell of deposits formed by the wind. At the same time, trails lead through Ciosowa and uphill to the quarry. If you are considering the area as a destination, geology and hiking offer two practical focal points for planning your trip.

Red sandstone in the disused quarry

The protected geological outcrop lies in the disused “Ciosowa” quarry on the southern slope of the hill near Ciosowa. The exposed rock face is up to 20 m high and about 70 m long. Its dimensions make the quarry a striking geological destination: what you see is not just a single rock, but an extensive face with visible rock structures.

The Lower Triassic red sandstone displays large-scale cross-bedding. Together with other sedimentary structures, it documents the aeolian origin of the deposit. Aeolian means that wind played a role in forming the deposits. The layering and other sedimentary forms make this history of formation tangible at the outcrop.

There is also a palaeontological site on the hill above Ciosowa, with traces of prehistoric reptiles. This adds another perspective on the area’s natural history to the rock structures. Those interested in geology will therefore find both a view of Lower Triassic sandstone and evidence of prehistoric animal life here.

Hiking trails and getting your bearings

A red hiking trail leads uphill through the forest to the quarry. Another red trail runs along the upper edge of the quarry, from where you can view the sandstone. Check local trail conditions before setting off so that your plans suit the situation on the ground.

Road No. 74 towards Porzecze passes through Ciosowa along the edge of the forest. About 250 m from the turn-off from the main road, you can park on a wide verge, where there is an information board. From there, a red hiking trail leads uphill through the forest to the quarry. When you arrive, check the situation on the verge and do not rely solely on a written description of the route to find your way.

For route planning, the red Edmund Massalski Trail offers a different point of reference: it passes through Ciosowa from Gołoszyce to Kuźniaki. The “Grzbietem Wzgórz Tumlińskich” route also passes through Ciosowa. This lets you weigh up whether to focus on the quarry and the climb to it, or choose a route that passes through Ciosowa. Check current trail conditions and markings before relying on them.

A story with an open beginning

Quarrying probably began in the early Middle Ages. The dating is explicitly tentative. Together with the visible rock structures, the history of quarrying raises two different questions: how did the rock form, and when did people begin extracting it here? Ciosowa thus draws attention both to natural processes and to the use of the quarry.

Accommodation and the focus of your stay

When choosing a holiday apartment in Ciosowa, you can consider what you want your stay to focus on: the geological outcrop, the climb through the forest, or a route through the area. The agritourism property “Podgórski kącik Alicji” is associated with the address Ciosowa 49. Contact the property directly to ask whether it is available for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Niestachów, Stara Słupia, Święta Katarzyna, Górno, Huta Nowa, Milanowska Wólka, Borków, Chałupki.

For the main travel overview: Kielce.